Council celebrates Humpty Dumps appeal success

Release date: 29 September 2016

Planners at Cotswold District Council have been congratulated for the role they played in successfully defending the refusal of planning permission for up to 69 homes at a much loved area of open space in Cirencester.

The planning application, to develop an area known as the Humpty Dumps, was refused by a Planning Officer using delegated powers on the grounds that the development would harm the character and appearance of the Special Landscape Area and the setting of the town. The developer, Baylight Properties subsequently appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, pointing out that their plans would create a number of affordable homes and open market homes.

Following a three day Inquiry in late July, the Planning Inspector recently concluded that the Council’s reasons for refusal were sound and he dismissed the appeal.

Commenting on the outcome, Cllr Mark Harris, Mayor of Cirencester and District Councillor for Abbey Ward, said:

“This is great news for residents in Cirencester who have been concerned about plans to develop the Humpty Dumps site, and it is also a marvellous result for our planning team who deserve a huge pat on the back. The officer who was delegated to make the original decision supported her arguments very well indeed. When the decision went to appeal, colleagues in the same team prepared an excellent case to demonstrate the plus points of retaining the Humpty Dumps open space, and they have been praised by members of the public for their contributions during the Inquiry.

“For over twenty years local residents have been engaging with the planning process to ensure this valued piece of land has been protected from development. It is great example of the outcome of positive engagement by the local community with the local planning authority.

“This decision sounds out a warning that we can resist unsustainable development in the Cotswolds and I believe that we will be in an even stronger position when the Local Plan is finally approved.”